Best Daycares in Cincinnati Metro

Browse all 1,315 licensed daycares in Cincinnati Metro, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Hamilton County•Clermont County•Butler County•Warren County

288
Gold SUTQ
22% of programs
101
Silver SUTQ
8% of programs
286
Bronze SUTQ
22% of programs
640
Not Rated
49% of programs
About childcare in Cincinnati Metro
  • Cincinnati Metro has 1,315 licensed child care providers, including 559 Child Care Centers and 457 Type B Family Child Care Homes and 170 School-based Preschools.
  • 675 providers (51%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 288 Gold, 101 Silver, 286 Bronze.
  • 1012 providers (77%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Cincinnati Metro have been licensed for an average of 11 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1970.
  • Cincinnati Metro is part of the Cincinnati Metro area.

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Bronze Rated

"Becoming Me" Social And Emotional Learning Enrichment After-School Program

Cincinnati•2627 Park Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

24 Hour Child Care From The Heart

Cincinnati•6012 Roe St

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

3T Learning Academy

Cincinnati•1437 Regent Ave

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

4 Legendary Kids LLC

Cincinnati•7390 Reading Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

4Mykidz Learning Academy 2.0

Cincinnati•10461 Pippin Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

5 Star Early Childhood Education Academy 1 LLC

Cincinnati•5920 Cheviot Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

5 Star Early Childhood Education Academy 2 LLC

Cincinnati•8264 Clara Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

A Better Child Care Corp

Cincinnati•6945 Harrison Avenue

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

A Break For Mom Daycare

Cincinnati•3870 Reading Rd Apt1

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

A Brighter Start Childcare

Cincinnati•2765 Blue Rock Rd.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

A Child'S Garden

Cincinnati•5427 Julmar Drive

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

A Million Dreams Learning Center

Milford•541 Main Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

A Mother'S Luv Early Education Center

Cincinnati•3142 Reading Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

A Place 2 Grow Childcare

Cincinnati•897 W. North Bend Rd.

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

A&ht Wyoming Preschool

Wyoming•334 Burns Ave

Licensed Child Care Center

Common Questions About Cincinnati Metro Child Care

Helpful answers for families searching for daycares in Cincinnati Metro, Ohio.

Does a "Not Rated" SUTQ status mean a daycare in Cincinnati Metro is low quality?

No. “Not Rated” means the provider has not enrolled in Ohio's voluntary Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) program — it does not indicate a safety concern, a licensing problem, or substandard care.

Every provider listed in Cincinnati Metro already complies with Ohio's mandatory baseline licensing requirements: background checks for all staff, health and safety inspections, required staff-to-child ratios, and annual continuing education.

When evaluating a “Not Rated” provider, review their inspection history on Ohio's Child Care Search, visit in person, and ask about staff qualifications and curriculum.

Source: Ohio Administrative Code 5101:2-17-01 (PDF)

How do I find infant care in Cincinnati Metro, Ohio?

Infant care (children under 12 months) is the hardest age group to place — demand consistently outpaces supply. In Cincinnati Metro, starting your search several months early is strongly recommended.

When you contact a provider, ask specifically:

  • Do you have openings in the infant room for a child under 12 months?
  • What is your infant-to-caregiver ratio? (Ohio licensing requires a maximum of 1:5 for licensed centers)
  • How do you ensure safe sleep? (Babies on their backs, firm surface, no loose bedding)
  • Are feeding and nap schedules based on each baby's individual needs? (On-demand is best practice)
  • Is there a waitlist? How far in advance should I apply?

Source: Ohio Revised Code 5104.033 | Child Care Aware of America — Short Notice Checklist

What should I ask when I visit or call a daycare in Cincinnati Metro?

Before committing to a provider in Cincinnati Metro, cover these questions by phone or in person:

Logistics first

  • Do you have space for my child starting on [date]?
  • What are your rates and fees? Do you accept Ohio's PFCC subsidy?
  • What are your hours, holiday closures, and inclement weather policies?

Licensing and safety

  • Is your license current? When was your most recent inspection — were any concerns found?
  • Do all adults complete background checks before spending time with children?
  • Are providers certified in CPR and First Aid?

Quality and daily life

  • What would a typical day look like for my child?
  • How do you handle guidance and discipline at my child's age?
  • What is your screen time policy?

See the full checklist on our FAQ page →

What if I can't find openings in Cincinnati Metro?

Ohio Parent Hub does not collect real-time seat availability — openings must be confirmed directly with each provider. If you're not finding what you need in Cincinnati Metro:

  1. Browse the county — View all providers in the surrounding county to find programs in nearby communities
  2. Call, don't email — A direct call is faster and signals genuine interest to providers with informal waitlists
  3. Ask about waitlists — Many high-quality centers maintain them; getting on one early is often the best long-term strategy, especially for infants
  4. Ask about PFCC — Providers accepting Ohio's subsidy are marked on listings and can broaden your affordable options significantly

More questions? Visit our full FAQ page.

All 1315 Licensed Daycares in Cincinnati Metro